The Sabon Scoop

How to Keep Your Skin Fresh this Winter

December 5th, 2012 12:00 am

It’s a battle every year: the cold weather sweeps in and we’re forced to deal with dry, flaky skin. It’s itchy, uncomfortable, and it looks even worse than it feels. While dry skin can start as a small annoyance, if left untreated it can sometimes lead to dermatitis, a more severe condition characterized by red, bumpy skin inflammation.

Fortunately, most dry skin arises from external causes – like cold weather – and can be nicked with topical care. Here are a few guidelines for ensuring your skin is well taken care of when the temperature drops.

Shower sensibly. Long showers are always a favorite, but if you stand in the stream for too long while the water is hot, your morning ritual could be working against you. Hot water will wash away the oils your skin already produces. Also, overusing soap will rob you of soft skin even faster.

Not too wet, not too dry. When you apply lotion, be sure that your skin is damp before application to work along with the product and provide extreme moisture to your skin. After a shower will be the most effective time to apply– your pores will be open and the water from your shower will help absorb the cream. Just pat down the dry areas of skin before you slather on anything, you’ll trap the moisture better that way.

Use natural products. It’s important to use lotions that are based on natural ingredients. Oils with natural origins are best to gently saturate your skin. Sabon’s body butter is a good choice for especially thirsty skin. It uses a natural triumvirate: shea butter, cocoa butter, and bees’ wax.

Don’t scratch. Even when it seems impossible, you can’t claw at your skin during dry air (and dry skin) season. Itching will only further irritate your skin. Don’t prolong the problem; treat it.

Exfoliate! Especially in the winter, exfoliating is very important. Dry winter skin is the result of dry skin cell build up. As we tend to relieve this with only applying heavy creams, many of us forget that the most important ritual to healthy skin is to first exfoliate the dry skin away! Increase your exfoliation routine this season to remove the dead skin cells, and then moisturize the new cells, resulting in healthier, hydrated skin! Try our Body Scrubs 2-3 times per week to exfoliate, this will enhance the skins glow with immediate results!

Your skin is your biggest, most vulnerable organ. As cold weather creeps closer and closer, take good care of your skin so you can look and feel better!